You are here

Philippines' relationship with other countries will not cool down

Fri, Oct 21, 2016 - 1:38 PM

The Philippines' warming ties with China does not mean that its relationships with other countries are cooling down, Budget Minister Benjamin Diokno said on Friday, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte announced his"separation" from Washington.

PHOTO: EPA

[MANILA] The Philippines' warming ties with China does not mean that its relationships with other countries are cooling down, Budget Minister Benjamin Diokno said on Friday, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte announced his "separation" from Washington.

Mr Duterte is opening up closer ties with China, in contrast with the previous government's "adversarial" relationship with Beijing, Mr Diokno told Reuters in a mobile phone message.

Asked whether an improving relationship with Beijing would mean it would tap more Chinese loans for projects, Mr Diokno said: "We are open to any form of assistance...but we will choose that offer of assistance that is in the best interest of the country".

Mr Duterte is set to visit Tokyo next week.

REUTERS

BT is now on Telegram!

For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes